Oahu General Info & Maps

In Hawaiian, "Oahu" means, appropriately, "the gathering place." Here's some info, maps and links to help you plan your visit.

A Honolulu and Oahu Overview: (from Frommers.com) For those who love the sophistication of the city but yearn for the pleasures of nature's most abundant beauty, Oahu is an island to return to again and again.

Part of its dramatic appearanch lies in its majestic highlands: the western Wai'anae Mountains rise 4,000 ft above sea level. Eons of wind and weather erosion have carved these ranges' sculptured, jagged peaks, deep valleys, sheer green cliffs, and dynamic vistas. At the base of these mountains more than 50 beach parks lie draped like a beautiful lei, each known for a different activity, be it snorkeling, surfing, swimming, or sunbathing.

Third-largest of the Hawaiian Islands and covering 608 square miles, Oahu was formed by two volcanoes that erupted 4 to 6 million years ago. Honolulu, the nation's 11th-largest city, is here, and 75% of Hawai'i's 1.1 million residents call the island home. Somehow, amid all this urban development, you are never more than a glimpse away from a breathtaking ocean or mountain view.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors sleep in the more than 33,000 rooms of Waikiki's nearly 160 hotels and condominiums. Waikiki continues to serve as home base for endless possibilities for day trips full of cultural and scenic eco-adventures. With Waikiki leading the way, Oahu maintains its status as an exciting destination, with more things to see, more places to eat, and more things to do than on all the other Hawaiian Islands combined.

Weather info:

The average temperature in Honolulu in October is 79.6 F (26.4 C), with an average high of 86.9 F (30.5 C) and low of 72.3 (22.3 C).

October - This is the month that temperatures begin moderating from summers high heat a little! Tradewinds also begin to fade from the island weather scene. In some years, Oahu begins to see the first winter-like storms that are far out to sea in the North Pacific, they sometimes can produce the first large waves of the season. Occasionally one of these early winter storms will send a weak cold front through the islands, which can cause a few showers. This month is still mild and dry. Tradewinds are blowing on the average 71% of the time. Sea water temperature averages about 79 degrees F.

November - Generally a transition month between summer and winter, with weather of both seasons common. The first real winter storms to the North and NW send down a cold front or two, with some showery spells, especially after the middle of the month. Winter storms also more regularly send large waves onto the North and West shores. Temperatures begin to dip noticeably (to the middle 80's!). November in some years begins the rainy season. Tradewinds are blowing on the average 64% of the time. Sea water temperature averages about 77 degrees F.

Click here for a link to Honolulu's current temperature and weather conditions.

The Island of Oahu:

Greater Honolulu, Waikiki, airport and Pearl Harbor:

Waikiki, West & East:

Some handy links:

Click here for a link to a cool, moveable interactive map of waikiki showing hotels and attractions.

Click here for a link to live webcam from Waikiki beach.

Click here for a link to live webcam from Waikiki beach (statue of Duke Kahanamoku).